Award Winning Television Drama, Downton Abbey, to Feature Antique Items Supplied by Regent Antiques.

Highclere Castle in Hampshire – Setting for Downton Abbey.

Downton Abbey, the popular period drama shown on ITV was awarded the “Best Drama” award at the National Television Awards 2015 which took place in January this year.

The show fought off intense competition from other major dramas including Dr Who and Sherlock. No doubt the stellar performances by some of our finest and best-loved actors; including Maggie Smith, who plays the Dowager Countess of Grantham, Hugh Bonneville, playing the Earl of Grantham, Elizabeth McGovern and Phyllis Logan, were a major factor in the decision made by the judges to make this award.

However, anyone who has seen the show will also be aware of the lovely locations used and the careful attention to detail in selecting the costumes and props necessary to enhance the true period feel of such a production.

Downton Abbey is filmed at Highclere Castle in Hampshire and is the home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon. The exterior shots and much of the interior filming takes place there.

A range of carefully selected classic motor cars have been used, contemporary to the drama’s post-Edwardian period, including a 1911 Renault Type CB12/16hp Landaulette, a 1927 AC Six and a 1921 Ford Model T.

Ford Model T

Then there is the staggering array of period furniture, china and other items needed to lend authenticity to the settings and it is for those that the programme’s “props” people turn to expert suppliers of antique furniture and other items, including London-based Regent Antiques.

We are proud to have been able to provide 2 lovely pieces for the forthcoming series which hits the screen later this year, these are:

An Antique English Regency Mahogany Card Table dating from around 1820

Antique English Regency Mahogany Card Table c.1820

This is a fine example of an antique Regency mahogany card table, typical of those found in many well-to-do family homes and is made from a material known as flame mahogany which has been French polished to highlight the beautiful grain.

There is a swivel top which reveals a compartment to store playing cards and then opens out to reveal a baize lined playing surface.

This table stands on an attractive centre base, which stands on beautiful bun feet complete with their original recessed brass castors and is typical of the Regency period.

Antique Coromandel Glove Box by Leuchars & Son c.1890

This is an absolutely fabulous antique Victorian coromandel box made by the famous London retailers Leuchars & Sons, circa 1890. We believe that this piece is to be used by the character played by Maggie Smith.
There is an inscribed plaque reading Leuchars & Son, 38 & 39 Piccadilly London. The box is rectangular with a hinged lid and a pierced and engraved silver metal leaf scroll mount in each corner.

Antique Coromandel Glove Box by Leuchars & Son c.1890 to be used by Maggie Smith in Downton Abbey.

Inside, the box is lined with navy blue silk, and has been divided into sections. The underside of the lid is fitted with the original pair of hand carved glove stretchers which would have been used by the lady’s maid to make it easier for the rich lady to pull her gloves on.

A grand lady would like a close fitting pair of gloves and the Victorians did not have our modern stretchy materials so a device such as this would have been a great help.

So take a good look at the two pieces and then keep an eye open for them when you watch the next series of Downton Abbey later this year.

Whatever you need by way of fine period pieces for your own home, whether stately or not, Regent Antiques is a great location to carry out the search.

So why not follow the lead of the programme makers – visit us soon at our London showrooms, online or give us a call – whatever you need, we can usually find it!